Diagnosed with a rare neurodevelopmental disorder called Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC), 31-year-old Dora Lee has been benefiting from the Red Cross' Day Activity Centre daycare programme. Her twice-weekly sessions in the brightly lit, cheerful facility in Jurong West have enabled Dora to socialise, and participate in recreational activities while improving her mobility through physical therapy.

Diagnosed with Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder in October 1993 when she was 11 months old, Dora Lee attended a school for persons with intellectual disabilities till she was 18. The condition causes episodes of paralysis that affect one or both sides of Dora's body. Fortunately, with advancements in medicine, these episodes are now under control. 

After Dora turned 18, Mdm Phua, Dora's mother, attempted to enrol her in an organisation, but she was deemed unsuitable. Notwithstanding the stumbling block, Mdm Phua remained undeterred. Her efforts to secure a place for Dora that could offer social, recreational, and therapeutic activities never wavered, as she yearned to help her daughter lead a life with some semblance of normality. 

"I did not want her to stay at home all day. I wanted her to benefit from social interaction, build meaningful connections, and discover new things," said Mdm Phua. 

Timely Visit

In 2023, Mdm Phua stumbled upon an article in the newspaper featuring the Red Cross Day Activity Centre for the Disabled (DAC) at Jurong West.  

Mdm Phua researched the website and attended DAC's Open House in March 2023.

"I was impressed with what I saw. The space was bright and airy. The employees projected a professional image, and were cheerful, lively, and patient with the clients. I was convinced my daughter would thrive in this conducive environment," said Mdm Phua. 

Without hesitation, Mdm Phua enrolled Dora, now 31, for a twice-weekly four-hour session at the centre. 

Engaging Clients in Activities and Therapies

DAC's dedicated team of caregivers and therapists engages clients like Dora in varied activities to ensure their physical, emotional and social well-being while equipping them with basic daily routine and community living skills. The activities incorporated arts and crafts, gardening, meal preparation sessions, group therapy games, and gait training. 

Each session comprises group activities that engage the clients in social interaction, coordination, and observation. Clients are also given individual 'me-time' to explore their creativity or interests. In addition, a qualified therapy aide conducts a half-hour physical therapy session specially curated to the client's needs.

Flexible and Responsive

The dedicated team keenly observed each client's strengths, weaknesses, preferences, dispositions and temperaments. 

"The team has been very flexible and responsive to all the clients' needs. When deciding the days that Dora would attend daycare, her preferences were noted by the team. S Sheethal, the Senior Social Worker Associate, remembered that Dora didn’t like craftwork on Tuesdays," recalled Mdm Phua. 

As such, Dora’s sessions were scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays. 

Occasionally, when there were volunteers to help, volunteers and employees would take the clients on group outings for social recreation and interaction. 

"When volunteers were around on Mondays, they would engage Dora in outdoor activities, which she enjoyed immensely. If she had gone on Tuesdays, she would have been miserable as she hates craftwork," Mdm Phua quipped.

When asked about the activities Dora enjoyed most at the DAC, Noon the Therapy Aide in charge of Dora, said, "She loves solving puzzles of all types, whether jigsaw puzzles, magnetic puzzles, or 3D puzzles."

Noon perceives that Dora is rather reserved.

"The can be quite shy, especially with strangers, but she will warm up to you, eventually. She has a beautiful smile. Sometimes when she thinks you’re not looking, she will smile to show her happiness," said Noon, with a smile. 

Future Hopes

When asked what else she would like for her daughter at the centre, Mdm Phua said, "She enjoys the outdoor activities as she explores and interacts with her surroundings. The centre is also looking to introduce laptop-based activities for her cognitive development. Also, the occupational therapist observed that she has weak shoulders, which could affect her ability to write. Hopefully, she will cultivate her writing skills in the future."

Mdm Phua is happy that she finally found a place where Dora could blossom and encourages family members with loved ones with special needs to enrol them at the DAC. 

"I feel happy and relieved that we have finally found a place for her here. The DAC's approach to her well-being is quite holistic. I am indeed grateful to the team here and encourage anyone caring for a loved one with special needs to take advantage of the holistic programme at the DAC," said Mdm Phua.

DAC's dedicated caregivers and therapy aides play an indispensable role in providing professional care to the clients. Besides engaging them in activities that ensure their emotional, social and physical well-being, the caregivers, therapy aides, and volunteers also shower the clients with care, love, and concern that enable them to flourish. Their collective efforts offer the family members peace of mind and assurance that their loved ones with special needs are well-cared for during the day.

By Iris Wee, Volunteer
Copyedited by Dr Nguyen Kien Truc Giang, Volunteer, and Sondra Foo, Marketing & Communications